The Pacific Gull (Larus pacificus) is a very large gull found along the south coast of Australia, it range also extends north up the coast of Western Australia. Anyone with a decent familiarity with the geography of Australia will notice that it does not really exist on Australia's Pacific Coast!
This is a gull that takes about 4 years to reach gull maturity. Over those four years the bird transitions from mainly brown to the classic grey and white paint job of many gull species.
This species has the heaviest bill - described in some books as be almost 'grotesquely' large. I would not go that far!
These pictures do not do justice to how windy and wet it was on the day I took the pictures - it was dumping it down with rain and blowing a gale - and I was pleased to stay in the car to take the pictures. All these birds were around the harbour at Port Welshpool in eastern Victoria.
As ever to join in with WBW click the blue button. Cheers SM
Hari Om
ReplyDeleteOh, I do love my gulls and this one is a corker - I tend to think that the bill is reminiscent of the puffin's... YAM xx
Thank you for the introduction to this tough bird, S
ReplyDeletehe certainly is enormous Stewart. Thanks for hosting, take care adn have a great week ahead.
ReplyDeleteIt is a fearsome-looking gull to be sure.
ReplyDeleteThey are burly-looking critters. Bet they can hold their own in a food fight.
ReplyDeleteThey look quite big and that beak is quite fearsome. Lovely set of photos at different stages of plumage. Cheers Diane
ReplyDeleteHello Stewart,:=) It's a tough well built looking gull, and as it matures into adulthood, the large bill somehow looks more in proportion, perhaps because it's legs are longer!
ReplyDeleteThat bill is interesting, for sure! Great pictures!
ReplyDeleteIt's nice that it posed for you so you did not have to get wet.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't want to be the victim of that bill...Great pictures..
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos. I never saw this gull.
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